Overview
Beginning in Colombo, the tour ventures through various iconic locations, allowing travelers to discover ancient cities, stunning temples, lush landscapes, and pristine beaches. Key highlights include UNESCO World Heritage Sites, scenic tea plantations, wildlife experiences, and the chance to witness Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture. With visits to Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, hill stations, and coastal gems, the tour provides a perfect blend of history, nature, and relaxation.
Trip Highlights
- Colombo – Explore the vibrant capital city, with its colonial architecture, bustling markets, and landmarks like the Galle Face Green and Gangaramaya Temple.
- Negombo – A coastal town known for its fishing industry, Negombo offers sandy beaches and Dutch colonial remnants.
- Anuradhapura – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its ancient ruins, sacred Bodhi tree, and centuries-old temples.
- Habarana – A picturesque town near the Cultural Triangle, ideal for wildlife safaris and nature walks.
- Sigiriya – The iconic Lion's Rock, a massive ancient rock fortress with breathtaking views and rich archaeological significance.
- Polonnaruwa – Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its ancient ruins, temples, and well-preserved archaeological sites.
- Dambulla – Famous for its stunning cave temples adorned with intricate Buddhist murals and statues.
- Matale – A spice-growing region, where visitors can tour spice gardens and learn about Sri Lanka's famous spice trade.
- Kandy – Home to the Temple of the Tooth, a sacred site for Buddhists, Kandy also offers a vibrant cultural atmosphere and beautiful botanical gardens.
Itinerary
Arrival in Bandaranaike International airport, you will be welcomed by representatives and transfer to the hotel. (Room will be available from 14:00 hrs)
On arrival in Colombo transfer to hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast enjoy sightseeing tour which includes many remnants of its colonial past- the presidential secretariat, the Grand Oriental Hotel, as well as Buddhist temple, a Hindu Kovil and the Grand Mosque. Complete the tour with a walk through one of the more interesting Pettah streets.
Insider Experience - Local: Explore some of Colombo’s most iconic areas by foot including the Fort and Pettah, a vibrant and crowded street market area where everything from televisions to chillies are sold wholesale and retail.
We also visit one of the city’s kovils, the Hindu temples of the Tamil trading community, before finishing the religious spectrum of the city at Gangaramaya Temple – one of the capital’s favourite places of worship with an incredible collection of religious artefacts and ornate décor inside and out. In the afternoon enjoy some free time to relax or explore. Perhaps walk the city’s famous Galle Face Green and watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean, joining the locals at this very popular evening institution.
Overnight at the hotel.
After an early breakfast drive to Negombo.
Negombo is also home to the country's second largest fish market, the Llelama, at the north end of the town's lagoon. Visit approx 0830 to 0930. About 30 mins north to Wennapuwa/Marawila area where stop to see local toddy-tapping.
After visit continue drive to Anuradhapura. On the way visit Aukana Buddha Statue
Aukana Buddha Statue: Carved out of the living rock with supreme assurance, Aukana Buddha is a magnificent image. The magnificent free-standing statue carved out of a single rock is the tallest Buddha statue in existence today.
After sightseeing, continue drive to Anuradhapura.
Anuradhapura- It was the first capital and undoubtedly the grandest city of the ancient Sri Lanka. It is the home of two World Heritage sites. Many places of historical and archaeological interest could be visited.This is the most celebrated of Sri Lanka’s ancient ruined cities. The city’s greatest treasures are its dagabas constructed of small sun-dried bricks and hemispherical in shape. The most notable of these dagabas are the Ruvanveli which dates back to the 2nd Century BC and is 300ft in diameter, the Jetawanarama is 370ft and the Thuparama which enshrines the collarbone of the Buddha.
On arrival in Anuradhapura, transfer to hotel.
Rest of the day will at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Early morning proceed to nearby Mihinthalaya Rock, and climb to the hill temples and for the great views.
Mihintale is a mountain peak and it is believed by Sri Lankans to be the site of a meeting between the Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa which inaugurated the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Today it is popularly known as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
Return to hotel and relax. Around mid afternoon take a sightseeing tour of Anuradhapura's main ancient sites. This will include the revered Sri Maha Bodhi, the world’s oldest authenticated tree which has been worshipped and guarded here for over 2,000 years since its original cutting was brought from India where the Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under its sheltering branches. Also, see the ruined columns of the Brazen Palace and the Thuparama Dagoba (pagoda), perhaps the oldest Buddhist structure in the world.
In evening visit to one of the most revered sites in Anuradhapura, the huge white dagoba of Ruvanvelisaya, to take in the spiritual atmosphere and scenes.
After visit drive back to hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast drive to Sigiriya.
On the way enjoy the visit of Village tour in Habarana - Morning enjoys and experience the lifestyle and culture in the countryside. Village life in countryside is facinating and extremely sociable. During the village trips you can enjoy various aspects of village life. You will get a chance to understand how hard they work to earn their livelihood and several works associated with day to day works of village life such as fishing, wood carving, bakery, farming, cocount tree climbing etc. (Duration 3 hours)
In Afternoon drive to Polonnaruwa.
On arrival enjoy the visit of Polonnaruwa will include the statue of the great Sinhalese King Parakramabahu. The ancient ruins including the area known as the Quadrangle, Thuparama Image House, The Gal Vihara the fine detailed granite sculptures of the Lord Buddha, The Lankathilaka and the 12th century lotus bath just to name a few. (Duration 3 hours)
After visit drive to Sigiriya hotel.
Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at the hotel.
Early in the morning climb Sigiriya Rock fortress - Sigiriya, the 5th century AD rock fortress of King Kasyapa built by him as a fortress and a pleasure place. There are many legends surrounding Kinf Kasyapa and his fortress in the sky. The view of the surrounding countryside from the summit of the rock is spectacular.
After climb drive back to hotel.
Note: The climb is only suitable for those with good fitness; plenty of water and sun protection should be carried. There are approximately 1200 steps to climb up to Sigiriya rock fortress, it requires some good fitness, plenty of water and sun protection is recommended.
Afternoon is free to relax at the hotel Or you can visit Ritigala Monastary - The Ritigala Buddhist Monastery nestles deep inside the Ritigala Strict Nature Reserve is the partially excavated ruins of an extensive Buddhist Monastery. It was abandoned following invasion in 10th and 11th centuries and today holds special appeal with its curious blend of nano safari and archaeology.
Dinner and Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast drive to Dambulla.
On arrival enjoy the visit of in Dambulla - 1st century BC Dambulla Rock cave temple. About 1.5 hours here, clients who don’t want to climb can stay at base of steps (hot but not difficult 10 min climb).
Note: There are approximately 360 steps to reach Dmabulla, the climb to the caves is mostly on the wide stone steps which are relatively even.
After visit drive to Matale. On arrival enjoy a shady walking tour approx 45 mins, plus opportunity to purchase in the interesting shop.
Enjoy Lunch in a local restaurant.
After visit drive to Kandy. Sri Lanka's picturesque highland capital, last stronghold of Sri Lankan kings against European conquest from the 16th to the 19th centuries. It is the sanctuary of traditional culture, and the island's most visited tourist resort. Their diverse charms offer a feast of memorable sight-scenery and exciting experiences. Kandy is set amidst tea and spice gardens, mountains, lake and a river, 490 metres above sea level. Road and rail access from Colombo through the Kadugannawa and Balane passes is picturesque, dramatic and befitting a medieval mountain stronghold.
On arrival in Kandy, transfer to hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Early Morning enjoy visit of Temple of the Tooth.
Temple of the tooth - Ever since 4th Century A.D, when the Buddha’s Tooth was brought to Sri Lanka hidden from sacrilegious hands in an Orissan princess’ hair, the Relic has grown in repute and holiness in Sri Lanka and throughout the Buddhist world. It is considered Sri Lanka’s most prized possession. Visitors can see these Dance & Music at the daily Cultural Performances held at several places in the city.
Enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant / hotel.
Later in the day city tour of Kandy including Royal Botanical Gardens at Perandeniya, and do a market walk in the centre of town.
Peradeniya Botanical
Peradeniya Botanical Garden is situated in the Central Province of Sri Lanka and visited approximately 02 million people annually. The unusual name is Sinhalese translation of guava plain. The garden is notable for its collection of a variety of Orchids. It is home to various species of plants, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees. It is also one of the largest botanical gardens of Sri Lanka, An artificial lake with water plants including giant water lily and papyrus seeds is found in the centre of the garden.
In the evening, enjoy Sri Lankan cooking class and group dinner
Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast drive Colombo. On the way, stop at a tea plantation for a fascinating insight into the tea growing process in this important island industry. There is the opportunity to sample and purchase local teas. Afterwards, continue towards Colombo’s airport, where your journey ends.
On arrival in Colombo, transfer to the Airport to board a flight for your destination back home.
End of Services
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- * Double / Twin room on sharing basis
- * Daily Breakfast. Few lunches and dinners included as mentioned in the program.
- * TRANSPORTATION: All ground transportation, as detailed in the itinerary using air conditioned Vehicle.
- * Services of English-speaking chauffeur guide and a local tour guide from 8 pax upwards
- * All listed activities - Walking tour of Colombo's Pettah market area, Evening prayers at one of Sri Lanka's most
- ancient Buddhist sites, Climbing the World Heritage-listed Sigiriya Rock, Jeep Safari at Minneriya National Park /Ritigala Monastery, Village visit and local lunch
- * Tips during check In & check outs
- * Tips & Gratuities during the tour
- * Monument entrance fee.
- * Currently applicable taxes
Cost Excludes
- X Any airfares.
- X Any expenditure of personal nature such as drinks, tips, laundry, telephone charges etc.
- X Any new tax imposed by the Govt.